Türkiye eases customs process for refugees returning to Syria

The Turkish Ministry of Trade has issued instructions to border customs points to simplify the process for refugees leaving for Syria.

Syrians wishing to return to their homeland will be able to more easily process customs declarations for the export of vehicles, money, and valuables from Türkiye, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

The decision aims to remove barriers to the swift return of refugees to Syria. Meanwhile, Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said that from January 1 to December 9, 2024, a total of 124,325 refugees had returned to Syria. Turkish Minister of National Defence Yasar Guler stated that with the change of government in Syria, the process of refugees returning to their homeland has accelerated twofold.

The minister also revealed a two-stage plan for the return of Syrians to their houses.

"During the first stage, internally displaced people from refugee camps in the Idlib province will return to various districts of Syria. Later, Syrians currently residing in Türkiye will follow. The entire process will be voluntary," the Turkish minister added. 

On November 27, armed opposition groups launched a large-scale offensive against Syrian army positions in Aleppo and Idlib provinces. 

By the evening of December 7, they had captured Aleppo, Hama, Daraa, and Homs. On December 8, they entered Damascus, which had been abandoned by Syrian government forces. Bashar al-Assad resigned as the president of Syria and left the country. 

On December 10, Mohammed al-Bashir, who had led the opposition-formed Salvation Government in Idlib province since January 2024, announced his appointment as the head of the Syrian government for the transitional period, which will last until March 1, 2025.

By Naila Huseynova